I work with health professionals, parent advocates, community support services, teachers and education providers, teaching them empowering and effective communication solutions to use with patients, parents and children. Studies prove that the language used at diagnosis, or when delivering life changing medical information, or to describe disability or difference is vitally important and so often, used with negative outcomes. I teach that using effective communication, is just as important as any medical therapy or procedure, and that the difference between a powerless and empowered patient, parent or child, is determined by language. This learning is being used to great effect across many different areas of the community, and changes are being made which has huge impact on positive patient outcomes and practitioner wellbeing.

Keynote Presentations

Tailored to your audience, as many in attendance as you need, 15-60 mins.

My message is delivered with passion, beautiful imagery, no "death by powerpoint", elegance and flair. The message is simple, validating and powerful. Your audience will have actionable takeaways ready to implement as soon as they leave their seats.

Learning objectives include:

The impact of effective communication styles,

Understanding the power of language- especially at diagnosis,

Making clinical/education reports more human,

How to have positive relationships with parents and patients for the benefit of everybody, including yourself as a professional.

TESTIMONIALS

In the 25 years that I have been organising and involved with the ASA, yours was the best opening address I have ever seen. And we’ve had politicians and celebrities and all sorts of people. We look at medicine in a very narrow way, we label and categorise everything and everyone. It is so good to be reminded that there is another way of looking at things. Thank you!

— Andrew Martin- former President of the Australasian Sonographers Association

I wanted to say again how your presentation at Monash Children’s Hospital was incredible - so inspirational, and I utilised the skills and insights that you taught us, the very next day at work! So beautiful to focus on what the child can do! So powerful :)

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— Grace Davies- Paediatric Junior Resident Medical Officer

Hi Rachel,Just wanted to let you know how great you were at DFTB 17. It has revitalised and revolutionised my clinical approach to my patients, and the copies of your book that you signed for me have found a good home.Keep up the great work…it matters!!

Thank you for your powerful story, and your willingness to share at our recent AH Conference. While we are still going through the process of collating and analysing the feedback we received, I have had multiple anecdotal conversations, and people relating the impact that your words have had. You speak with such a simple but powerful message, and I know that it has touched and impacted many who heard you speak. 

I am still in awe of the recent talk you gave me and my colleagues at the Courage and Innovation Conference for Southern District Health Board. I truly believe you have changed my clinical practice forever ... One small step at a time! You are amazing.

— Sarah Maley- Occupational Therapist NZ

What can I say? Just.... WOW! WOW! Not only are you an amazing, loving, caring, intuitive being, you hold a room in the palm of your hand and nurture them and guide them to be better people. What a gift you possess. Thank you! 

— Sara McKenna, AIPP board QLD and Hair of the Dog team

“Rachel’s talk should be compulsory for all medical students!” 

— - Dr Simon Rowley, Neonatologist Auckland District Health Board

There are 3 things in my life I will never forget, even as I get old and start to lose my memory. The first is my wedding day, the second, the time I went snorkelling in the most amazing ocean and the third, is your presentation you gave to the ASA. 

— Debbie Eadie, Obstetric Sonographer

I feel privileged to have heard you talk today. Thank you for sharing. I am going to strive to be that understanding Paediatrician that communicates in an empathetic, empowering way to parents.

— Paediatrician, DFTB17 conference

Why oh why did I wear eyeliner! 

— Nicola Campbell, Paediatric Registra

are you HAVING A CONFERENCE and need a positive change inspiring speaker? do you NEED your STAFF to practice effective communication, for better outcomes?

Get in touch, I'd love to hear about your event and work with you to create a more caring health system.